He Became Napoleon’S Genius Son [EN]: Chapter 183

(183) The Mediterranean Chase Begins

There are originally three important seas for Europeans:

The Mediterranean, the North Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean.

Eugene thought he had already experienced two of these seas.

In fact, having crossed the Atlantic, he was confident that there was nothing to fear from the sea.

All those judgments were wrong.

Eugene had not yet properly experienced the Mediterranean.

-Whoosh!

Suddenly, seeing the sail being pushed aside, Captain Robert Surcouf shouted.

“Take cover! The sail is about to collapse!”

The crew of Eugene’s ship, the Horus, rushed out and grabbed the sail ropes.

They had literally encountered a storm.

Although it seems like a warm sea, shipwreck accidents occur quite often in the Mediterranean.

It was unlikely that the Horus, traveling with over four hundred transport ships, would be wrecked, but even so, sailors were frequently thrown overboard.

In the original history, Nelson’s fleet was caught in a storm while chasing Napoleon.

Suddenly, Commander Hoche, who was looking at the nautical chart in front of the cabin, clicked his tongue.

“No, it seems more difficult to get from Malta to Cairo than to get to Malta.”

“Of course! It’s a longer distance!”

“Ugh, I’m going to get drenched in waves. So, who’s coming? Nelson?”

Eugene, dodging the waves, quickly grabbed a rope and replied.

“Yes. He’s the best card that England can play. For now!”

Originally, the strategy meeting should be held on the flagship of the fleet, the Orient.

However, the Orient had too many civilians, such as female soldiers and scholars.

So, Eugene deliberately called the commander to the Horus.

However, since the storm was severe, it seemed that Hoche would have to stay on the Horus for the time being.

Hoche barely maintained his balance, looked at the map, and asked.

“But, it will take us a month to reach Egypt. Can they really go around Gibraltar and catch up with our fleet in that time?”

“Impossible, of course.”

“Then, what are you worried about? Ugh!”

Eugene, holding the rope tightly, retorted to Hoche, who was staggering while trying to maintain his dignity.

“Ugh, it’s really shaking. I’m worried about what happens after we arrive, Hoche. The moment when the British fleet will eventually face us off the coast of Egypt!”

In fact, in the original history, Nelson moved really quickly.

Although he started a month later than Napoleon, he actually arrived about a week earlier.

However, because he arrived too early, he missed where Napoleon had gone.

So, he wandered around the Eastern Mediterranean looking for Napoleon and failed to prevent the landing in Egypt.

Of course, it’s different now.

Eugene had three strategies to deceive England:

Gibraltar, a decoy fleet, and the capture of Ireland.

Even so, if Nelson heads straight for the Mediterranean, he will inevitably encounter them off the coast of Egypt.

Eugene recalled the captains who had come to greet him before leaving the port of Brindisi.

Could the French Mediterranean Fleet really defeat Nelson’s [Band of Brothers]?

It’s difficult.

Of course, Eugene had not completely neglected preparations.

At that time, someone split tin behind Hoche and Eugene.

-Click!

Marceau had just opened a can of food with a dagger on the table.

He didn’t skip meals even in the midst of the severe storm.

Marceau shrugged at Eugene and Hoche, who were looking at him with absurd eyes.

“Munch, let’s talk while eating. So, what’s the conclusion?”

“You can eat bread in this situation? Marceau?”

“I’m a man who crossed the Atlantic. What’s this? And this is canned food, munch munch.”

Eugene clicked his tongue and picked up the nautical chart.

“Hmph, okay. Look closely at the map. Currently, a significant portion of the Western Mediterranean is within French territory.”

France, Italy, and Spain had become one force.

So, it was difficult for England to use the ports in Spain or Naples that they usually used.

A sailing ship cannot make long-distance ocean voyages without a port of call.

Therefore, Nelson had to overcome even greater obstacles than in the original history.

“In this situation, there are two ways for England to cross the Mediterranean: Using Sardinia and Sicily from Gibraltar.”

“That won’t be easy. No intermediate stopover? Are they going to seize the Balearic Islands?”

“The second is to seize Malta.”

Then Hoche smiled bitterly as he looked at the ships of the Knights of Malta floating far away.

“Should we have left the Knights behind?”

“They would have surrendered to the British fleet anyway, just like they did to us.”

“Then, we can’t stop them from coming to Egypt after all.”

No matter how much France hides the expedition, it will eventually be revealed.

It’s for a very simple reason.

The Republic government must announce the war to the people.

If they wage a secret war, they will surely lose the next election to the voters.

Even in the original history, England eventually obtained French newspapers and learned about the Egyptian expedition.

No matter how much they enforce port blockades during the war, smuggling ships will come and go.

Besides, Nelson’s strategic goal is originally to recapture the Kingdom of Naples.

For whatever reason, it is clear that he will enter the Mediterranean.

“Yes, it is inevitable that we will fight a naval battle in Egypt. However, that must be after we have seized the major cities of Egypt. Fortunately, the main area of Egypt is concentrated in the lower Nile.”

The so-called capital region of Egypt is concentrated in the Nile Delta, the northern coast.

In particular, the capital Cairo is located at the starting point of the delta.

Napoleon also managed to seize Egypt itself quite quickly in the original history.

The problem is that the British fleet will arrive immediately after that.

For a moment, Admiral Brueys, who had been listening silently until then, opened his mouth.

“Then, will we use our [secret weapon] at that time, General Eugene Freiherr?”

Eugene had only now realized Brueys’ presence because he was so quiet.

In fact, the engagement with the British fleet was within the expected range from the beginning.

Also, Eugene had brought two of the [Eugene Cartel]’s secret weapons to fight against England:

Explosive shells and smokeless gunpowder.

However, he could not be sure of victory with that alone.

In the original history, Nelson annihilated the French fleet despite a clear disadvantage in firepower.

This means that there is a significant difference in naval tactics.

“Yes. However, secret weapons alone are not enough.”

“Do you have another secret plan?”

“This requires a brave navigator.”

Eugene, who was deep in thought, grabbed the captain who was running up, taking a breather.

“Robert, can you go back to Toulon?”

Robert Surcouf blinked and saluted.

“Of course! Just give the order!”

“Good, but all Robert can do is break through the British fleet’s surveillance network. Rochejacquelin!”

“Yes? Are you talking about me? My lord?”

Rochejacquelin, who was waiting inside the cabin, asked in surprise.

Eugene turned to Rochejacquelin and nodded.

It seemed that he had to use the Rochejacquelin card, although there were risks.

“There’s a decoy fleet in Toulon, right?”

“Yes, Surcouf’s spies have been spreading rumors that the fleet is real.”

“I need you to bring that fleet here yourself.”

Eugene grabbed Rochejacquelin’s shoulders and said.

“You are needed to lead the Royalist aristocratic officers. Do you understand what I mean?”

The decoy fleet docked in Toulon is also technically a navy.

It’s just that they are not actually prepared for war.

Also, unlike the Mediterranean Fleet under Brueys, whom Eugene had trusted from the beginning, there was also the problem that there were many counter-revolutionary naval aristocrats.

But what if it was Rochejacquelin, who was originally a hero of the Royalists [supporters of the monarchy]?

He would be able to subdue the old aristocratic officers of the decoy fleet.

There are two problems.

There is a possibility that the decoy fleet led by Rochejacquelin will be intercepted by Nelson.

The other is time.

Rochejacquelin pointed out the second problem.

“There is no guarantee that we can meet the deadline.”

“It’s the same even if you stay here; you won’t be of any help in the naval battle. But, if the Toulon fleet comes, we can use it for two purposes.”

“How so?”

Eugene looked around for a moment and said in a low voice.

“If we meet the deadline, we can use it as a diversion, and if we don’t, we can use it as a transport fleet for our expeditionary force.”

If Rochejacquelin’s return coincides exactly, they can fight the Nelson fleet with twice the strength.

If the timing is completely off, Rochejacquelin’s fleet will become the returning fleet of the Egyptian expeditionary force.

Of course, under the premise that Rochejacquelin is not annihilated along the way.

“I understand, my lord.”

“Are you confident?”

“Who do you think I am?”

Suddenly, Rochejacquelin smiled.

“I am the one who broke through the British fleet’s encirclement in the New World and carried out a transport operation.”

If it’s not a naval battle but an escape, Rochejacquelin also has a knack for it.

Of course, along with Surcouf, a smuggler captain who will move with him.

***

Cannon fire is raging on the outskirts of Gibraltar.

-Bang!

However, the iron fortress, Gibraltar, was as solid as ever.

The fact that it cannot be conquered by the power of the army alone was already proven by Spain itself when it took advantage of the gap and charged during the American Revolutionary War.

However, Nelson, the commander of the British Mediterranean Fleet stationed in Gibraltar, frowned.

There is only one type of navy that should come to attack Gibraltar.

The Spanish fleet.

“Hmph, the French fleet is not all moving from Toulon?”

“That’s right, Admiral. Isn’t it suspicious?”

“It must be fake, all of it.”

Nelson stared at the Spanish fleet from the ship and tilted his head.

“But it’s strange. They are clearly preparing for a large-scale attack, but they don’t come to Gibraltar and wait in Toulon?”

The Spanish fleet in front of him is also composed of battleships.

It is by no means an easy enemy to deal with.

However, Nelson thought that General Charles O’Hara, the current commander of the Gibraltar Fortress, was sufficient.

Although he was left as an icon of surrender in later generations, he is an excellent figure in defensive command.

What is filling Nelson’s mind now is the real movement of France.

Vice Admiral Alexander Ball shrugged.

“According to the British Naval Intelligence, Napoleon is just in Paris.”

“Would an army grunt be preparing a fleet in Toulon? You’re stating the obvious.”

“Isn’t it strange? If they were to come to Spain and attack Gibraltar, I wouldn’t say anything, but why are they saving their best card when the war has started?”

Nelson nodded and widened his eyes.

“Egypt.”

“Yes?”

“This is a trap set by France to target Egypt.”

Captain Berry, the captain of the flagship, tilted his head at Nelson’s sudden idea.

“Why Egypt all of a sudden?”

“Think about it! France is now blocked on all sides of the Atlantic. Then, the only remaining path is to cooperate with Spain or break through the Mediterranean trade route!”

“Oh, wait a minute. Our East India Company uses the Egyptian trade route, right?”

As Lieutenant Hardy shouted in surprise, Nelson nodded and jumped up.

“That’s it. Leave only three patrol frigates here. First, go to Sicily and check if they really went to Egypt! Order the Mediterranean Fleet to prepare for departure!”

The captains of Nelson’s [Band of Brothers] shouted and rushed out.

“Yes, Admiral!”

From the flagship, [Victory], the captains moved to each battleship on small boats.

At that time, Ball, who was about to run away, tilted his head.

The Spanish fleet was still far away.

“What about those guys? Should we just leave them to the garrison?”

Nelson, who saw the Spanish fleet far away in the sea, snorted.

“Let’s take care of them on the way. We have to be in Sardinia in three days!”

It was as if he was going for a walk in the neighborhood.

The Battle of Gibraltar was beginning.

***

While Nelson was still dealing with Spain, the French fleet finally reached its destination.

“There, I can see the bay.”

The sun had not yet risen.

The name of the bay seen far away is Abu Qir [Abukir Bay, near Alexandria].

It is the entrance to the port of Alexandria, a city founded by the ancient Alexander [Alexander the Great].

For the French in the Age of Enlightenment, it was a legendary city they had heard about in childhood fairy tales.

Of course, Eugene knows.

That legendary city has long disappeared, and what is there is just a dilapidated fishing village.

But that city is the starting point of the Egyptian expedition, and in the original history, it is the place that announced the failure of Napoleon’s expedition.

Suddenly, Ipolite, who was looking through a telescope, tilted his head.

“It’s a bit small, isn’t it? For a big city?”

Instead of answering, Eugene turned to look at the man in formal attire who had just boarded the Orient.

“How is it, Grand Master?”

The man who donated the vast wealth of the Knights of Malta to the French army.

The informant who revealed Nelson’s valuable information.

In particular, a knight who was assigned under Eugene’s command and decided to actively cooperate in this expedition.

Hompisch, the Grand Master of the Knights of Malta, shook off the seawater and nodded.

“According to our knights who went on reconnaissance first, they are completely unguarded. As always.”

Until now, the main business of the Knights of Malta was piracy.

In other words, maritime looting against Islamic forces was the main task of the Knights of Malta.

Alexandria was also an occasional prey for the Knights of Malta.

Therefore, Hompisch was able to easily send knights to Alexandria to scout.

Eugene quietly looked at the sea and nodded.

“Originally, England should have gone there first.”

Commander Hoche stepped forward and asked.

“Did the decoy fleet have an effect?”

“Yes, but if the British fleet eventually comes, it will be difficult to stop them.”

“Don’t underestimate our navy too much. Also.”

Hoche patted Eugene on the shoulder and smiled.

“We can conquer Egypt much faster. We have been preparing for that for a year.”

Of course, Eugene also made extraordinary preparations for the success of the Egyptian expedition.

But war is always a gamble where you can’t know success or failure.

But wasn’t Eugene a gambler anyway?

Suddenly, Eugene smiled and turned his gaze.

“Okay, let’s land. To conquer the pyramids! Admiral Brueys, order the firing!”

Fleet Admiral Brueys raised his hand.

-Whoosh, boom!

June 1, 1797.

The French Mediterranean Fleet’s bombardment was fired at Egypt.